Heli Extravaganza
by Jennifer Orebaugh
FLYING IS JUST PART OF THE FUN FOR HELI PILOTS AT TRIPLE TREE
Fun. Fellowship. Hospitality.
Those are the words that Pat Hartness used to describe the Triple Tree Aerodrome and the full-scale and model enthusiasts who use the facility for its many events. The RC helicopter community took those words to heart and proved it with the first all-helicopter event to be held at the site.
The heli pilots love to fly. Steve Rogers, Clint Akins, and Darrell Sprayberry had been managing the helicopter section for the Triple Tree staff at Joe Nall since its flightline opened approximately four years ago, and for the last couple of years at eWeek. From the start, Steve and Clint, who both work for Castle Creations, and Darrell, a sponsored Castle pilot, Scale Nats CD, and well-known scale helicopter builder, had expressed how much they would like to have an all-helicopter event at Triple Tree. The only issue was that there had never been an "unofficial" Triple Tree event held on the grounds. The three persisted, and it finally paid off. They were given the final okay by Triple Tree staff during Joe Nall 2012 to hold an event.
There was little time to plan: set a date (and find a weekend that would not coincide with any other events), gather sponsors, and organize. Word quickly spread that the helicopter community would have its own fun-fly at the facility, but how the event would actually go—or what the turnout would be—would be unknown until it happened.
"Events at Triple Tree are known for larger-than-normal numbers," Steve said, "but there's always a chance of a first-year event yielding a small number. You presume [that] larger than normal number, but deep down you have to be prepared for what you get if it's smaller than the presumption."
The Heli Extravaganza was held September 21–23, 2012, on the same grounds as the popular Joe Nall and eWeek events. This event resembled other RC helicopter fly-ins: pilots arrived and staked out their spaces with canopies, tables, and chairs. Those who preregistered were eligible for raffle prizes that included:
- Gaui 200 helicopter kit combo
- DJI Flame Wheel F450
- Various items from KDE Direct and KBDD
Experience RC brought its mobile store trailer. A dinner was held Saturday night for the pilots, and a live band provided entertainment. Professional and sponsored pilots flew during the day among beginner and intermediate pilots, and night rigs lit the sky in the evenings. What made this event special was where it took place, the people who came to participate, and the reaction that the Triple Tree staff received.
For those who had been to Triple Tree for other events, the scenery was familiar: lush Bermuda grass, two ponds from which to fly floatplanes, a hangar with beautiful full-scale airplanes and RC aircraft and memorabilia, acres of field to fly any size aircraft, and even a bathhouse with marble sink tops and built-in hairdryers. For the first-time visitor, there is something almost magical about the place and being able to fly there.
For a smaller-scale event such as the Heli Extravaganza, it was a chance for sponsored pilots to take a breather, relax, have fun, fly, and catch up with friends they don't normally get to talk to when they're under pressure at larger fun-flys.
Hospitality reigned—and it didn't go unnoticed. Steve Rogers said the Triple Tree staff was impressed. "The respect for the facility and the appreciation that was shown by the attendees made a very big impression on the staff and I was asked Friday night if I wanted to make this an annual event and naturally I said yes!" Steve said.
Pat Derrick, Triple Tree staff member, added, "I thought it was a great event and all the heli guys and gals were super—very respectful of the Triple Tree grounds and a treat to be around. I would hope that this was the first of many years of Heli Extravaganza to come."
These sentiments were echoed by those who attended. Kudos were given to the facility, to Steve, Darrell, and Clint for running the event so smoothly, to the 101 participating registered pilots, and to those who came as spectators. Many feel this is one of those events to watch, because it will quickly grow.
Late Sunday at the field, as the sun began setting over the pond and the weekend wound down, the remaining pilots reflected on how neat it was to have the entire flying field to themselves and what a great time it was just being there among the helicopter community.
It's a tight-knit group that's more like an extended family. Everyone is friendly and willing to help others—whether a beginner or a professional who has been flying for many years. Wherever you looked, people were gathered in groups, laughing and smiling, watching fellow pilots fly, helping someone out with parts or advice, and having a great time. Everyone was relaxed and happy to be there.
More pilots than usual lingered late into Sunday (which is unusual when many have to travel a great distance home), not wanting it to end. Many said they would definitely be back next year. Steve, Clint, and Darrell have begun thinking about next year and what they can do to bring more of the same feeling to the second annual event.
"The first annual Heli Extravaganza is now passed," said Steve. "As for next year's ideas, [I] can't give that away right now!"
Did the Heli Extravaganza meet the expectations of organizers? According to Steve, yes—and then some!
"The idea is not to just have a bigger event, but a quality event—something for everyone and full use of the amenities at the facility. Build it and they will come!"
Don't miss the chance to visit the Triple Tree Aerodrome and Heli Extravaganza next year.
Sources
- Heli Extravaganza — www.heliextravaganza.com
- Triple Tree Aerodrome — www.tripletreeaerodrome.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
